Do you need support, but can’t make it to an in-person appointment due to the need for social distancing? Are you considering taking part in services, but you are concerned about missing appointments due to your busy schedule? Are you a busy stay-at-home or working parent, and don’t have the time to drive across town for an appointment? Do you live in an area where you can’t find a mental health professional who specializes with couples and families? Are you interested in taking part in services but your schedules and situation makes it difficult for everyone to be in the same place at the same time?

If you answered, “yes” to any of the above, telehealth appointments can be very beneficial if getting to a traditional in-person appointment is not convenient for you. Telehealth allows you flexibility and can be done anywhere you have a computer or laptop with built in camera and microphone with access to wi-fi. Tablets and even smart phones can work too.

About Telehealth by SimplePractice

I use Telehealth by SimplePractice which is a HIPAA compliant secure technology service. It is simple to use and there are no passwords required to log in. If you have ever had a video call on Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, Google Duo, Facebook Messenger or What’s App then you have used the same type of technology Telehealth by SimplePractice uses.

Using Your Computer or Laptop

Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you should receive an email appointment reminder. Open the reminder email and click the unique secure link. This will open Telehealth allowing you to join the appointment directly from your web browser on your computer or laptop. You will need to make sure the camera and microphone are turned on. When you are ready to join the session, click Join Video Call.

Using Smart Phone or Tablets

If you plan to use a mobile device before your first appointment you will need to take some time before your appointment to download “Telehealth by SimplePractice” (for iOS or Android) in the app store. Once it is downloaded and set up, you simply leave it: you will NOT need to access the app for your appointments.

You will get a reminder email 10 minutes before the appointment with your unique secure video appointment link. You then open the reminder email on your smart phone or tablet and click your unique video link. This will automatically open the Telehealth by SimplePractice app. When you are ready to join the session, click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into our video call where I will join you shortly.

Tips to Prepare for Your Telehealth Session

• Choose a quiet, private spot free of distraction, interruptions and background noise.
• Make sure that your computer, tablet or phone has a camera and reliable internet connection.
• Test your camera and audio before your session begins; ensure that both your camera and microphone are “on”.
• Be “present” for your session as if you were in your therapist’s office; turn off device notifications and minimize distractions.

Technology Failure

If there is a technological failure, I will first attempt to re-establish a connection. After 5 minutes you can presume that the connection cannot be re-established, and I will contact you by phone.

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